Cellulose and pectin alter intestinal β-glucuronidase (EC 3.2.1.31) in the rat

Abstract

Groups of rats were given a fibre-free diet containing none or one of the three fibre components: pectin, cellulose or galactomannan. After feeding for 16 weeks, total protein level and β-glucuronidase (EC 3.2.1.31) activity in the contents and mucosa of jejunum and ileum, and in the contents only of the caecum, were determined. The pectin supplement reduced protein concentration in jejunal contents while cellulose reduced protein concentration in the ileal and caecal contents. β-Glucuronidase activity of caecal contents was significantly reduced in both the pectin- and cellulose-fed groups. Cellulose affected the β-glucuronidase activity of both the ileal contents while pectin reduced the β-glucuronidase of the ileal but not the jejunal contents. Dietary fibre components did not significantly affect jejunal or ileal mucosal β-glucuronidase activity.